TERA Gallery - African Art and Antiquities "Altering The Way You View The World Of Art" |
Type of Object:
Ethnic Group:
- Horse Rider Stirrup
19th or early 20th century
This rider's stirrup could be found among a number of
different people in a region stretching from Mali through
Niger, Burkina Faso to Nigeria. The shape of the stirrup with
the curved foot rest and the round eye at the top would have
been tied to the saddle with leather thongs. This example
has a beautiful opening pattern in the center. The forging of
the surface of the stirrup reflects the highest quality of of
African forging. This is a uniquely worked piece and reflects
the skill of the iron workers in these northern states that are
predominately Islamized.
- The basic characteristic of Bamana craftsmanship displays
itself in the use of bold volumes; rounded shapes often
interplay with angular lines, an overall semi-abstract quality
is expressed in their artistic works.
The horse played an important role in Bamabara society as
a symbol of prestige and status, as a result, much
importance was placed in the adornment of this fine animal.
Ethnic Group:
- Bambara/Bamana Society
- Niger
Chad
Mali
Burkina Faso
- Iron
- 7inches x 8.5 Inches
